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Compare any two UK universities

Select any two universities below and we'll generate an instant, data-driven comparison — rankings, salaries, student satisfaction, international community, and more.

H
Heriot-Watt University

Edinburgh · QS World #325

U
University of Cambridge

Cambridge · QS World #6

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 11 datapoints

We looked at 11 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

2/11

Heriot-Watt

scored higher in 2 categories

VS

9/11

Cambridge

scored higher in 9 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Cambridge leads in 9 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses). Heriot-Watt University is ahead on employment, scholarship.

Heriot-Watt University vs University of Cambridge at a glance

Heriot-Watt University and University of Cambridge both teach 32 subject areas, the largest being Mathematics, Biological Sciences (General) and Ancient Languages. Heriot-Watt University offers 214 courses across 48 subject areas; University of Cambridge offers 336 courses across 79 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £32,890 at University of Cambridge: Heriot-Watt University is about £12,810 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £41,300 at University of Cambridge: Heriot-Watt University is about £17,120 a year cheaper.

Of the 9 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Cambridge is higher in 9 and Heriot-Watt University in 0. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £30,500 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, against £63,500 from University of Cambridge. Of the 9 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cambridge is higher in 8 and Heriot-Watt University in 1.

World & National Rankings

Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.

#325
QS World
#6
#401
THE World
#3
#41
Guardian UK
#2
1821
Established
1209
No
Russell Group
Yes
—
TEF Rating
Gold

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.

Heriot-Watt University

University of Cambridge

82%
92.1%

Satisfaction

Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)

£35,400
£49,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

81.8%
76.6%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

31.2%
32.2%

International

International student share

214
336

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

42
0

Scholarships

Number of scholarships

International Community

Where do international students come from?

Top source countries based on official HESA enrolment data. A higher diversity of nationalities often means a richer campus experience.

Heriot-Watt

72 countries · 31.2% international

  • 🇮🇳India29.8%
  • 🇨🇳China17.1%
  • 🇫🇷France6.8%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria6%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia5.2%
VS

Cambridge

96 countries · 32.2% international

  • 🇨🇳China28.2%
  • 🇺🇸United States10.3%
  • 🇸🇬Singapore6.6%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
  • 🇮🇳India4.7%

Subjects

32 subjects you can study at both

Courses listed at each university in the subject, and the typical (median) international fee a year. Select a count to see the courses.

Heriot-Watt University

University of Cambridge

Also taught at both: Management, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Psychology (General), Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Architecture, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Business Studies, Planning & Housing, Software Engineering, Statistics, Aerospace Engineering, Biotechnology, Computing & IT, Education Studies, Technology & Logistics, Toxicology, Zoology & Animal Biology.

Only at Heriot-Watt University

Only at University of Cambridge

Fees

What it costs international students

The typical (median) international tuition fee a year across each university's published course fees. Individual courses vary; each course page shows its own fee.

Undergraduate

Heriot-Watt University
£20,080
University of Cambridge
£32,890

Heriot-Watt University is about £12,810 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Heriot-Watt University
£24,180
University of Cambridge
£41,300

Heriot-Watt University is about £17,120 a year cheaper.

Outcomes

Graduate outcomes by subject

Median graduate salary three years after graduating, and student satisfaction with teaching, across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject. Source: Discover Uni.

Heriot-Watt University

University of Cambridge

  • Mathematics

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£44,500
    85%Satisfaction94%

  • Biological Sciences (General)

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£35,000
    90%Satisfaction91%

  • Ancient Languages

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£30,000
    92%Satisfaction97%

  • Computer Science

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£63,500
    81%Satisfaction94%

  • Chemical Engineering

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£43,000
    93%Satisfaction94%

  • General Engineering

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£39,500
    85%Satisfaction87%

  • Economics

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£59,500
    92%Satisfaction86%

  • Psychology (General)

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£30,000
    81%Satisfaction92%

  • Planning & Housing

    £29,500Salary (3 years)£48,000
    86%Satisfaction89%

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Heriot-Watt University

International Merit Scholarship

£500,000

Deadline: N/A

MBA 20th Anniversary Scholarship

£64,000

Deadline: Jun 2026

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)

£21,800

Deadline: N/A

Future Planner Scholarship

100%

Deadline: Jun 2026

The Dunsmore Scholarship for MScR Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

100%

Deadline: May 2026

View all scholarships →

University of Cambridge

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Heriot-Watt University vs University of Cambridge: common questions

Is Heriot-Watt University or University of Cambridge cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £32,890 at University of Cambridge: Heriot-Watt University is about £12,810 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £41,300 at University of Cambridge: Heriot-Watt University is about £17,120 a year cheaper. These are medians of the international tuition fees each university publishes for its courses; the fee for a specific course is on its course page.

What subjects can you study at both Heriot-Watt University and University of Cambridge?

Both universities teach 32 subject areas: Mathematics, Biological Sciences (General), Ancient Languages, Computer Science, Asian Languages & Studies, Business & Management (General), Chemical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Building & Construction, Civil Engineering, General Engineering, Physics and 20 more.

Is Heriot-Watt University or University of Cambridge better for Mathematics?

Mathematics graduates earn a median £30,500 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, and £44,500 from University of Cambridge. Student satisfaction with teaching is 85% at Heriot-Watt University and 94% at University of Cambridge. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Heriot-Watt University or University of Cambridge offer more courses?

University of Cambridge lists 336 courses on CourseOptions and Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses.

What can you study at Heriot-Watt University but not at University of Cambridge?

Heriot-Watt University teaches 16 subject areas that University of Cambridge does not, including Design & Fashion, Accounting, Mechanical Engineering, Food Production & Technology, French, Marketing, Ecology & Conservation, Manufacturing & Production Engineering and 8 more.

What can you study at University of Cambridge but not at Heriot-Watt University?

University of Cambridge teaches 47 subject areas that Heriot-Watt University does not, including History, Childhood & Youth Studies, Biomedical Sciences, Sociology & Criminology, Law, Politics & International Relations, Archaeology, Clinical Specialities and 39 more.

Ready to explore courses?

Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.

H
Heriot-Watt University214 courses · 42 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
University of Cambridge336 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses